Saint Mark, Evangelist, is primarily known as the author of the second Gospel, a companion of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and the traditional founder of the Church in Alexandria.
Saint Mark, often identified with John Mark from the Acts of the Apostles, played a significant role in early expansion, serving as a companion to both Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas on missionary journeys before becoming a close associate and interpreter for Saint Peter. His most enduring contribution is the Gospel of Mark, traditionally believed to be a record of Peter's preaching, which vividly portrays Jesus' ministry and passion, making it a foundational text for understanding the early community's perspective on Christ; he is also revered as the founder and first bishop of the Church in Alexandria, Egypt, where he is said to have been martyred.
Saint Mark, known as the Evangelist, holds a pivotal place in the history of the early Church, primarily revered as the author of the second canonical Gospel and a foundational figure in the spread of Christianity. Often identified with John Mark mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, he was a cousin of Barnabas, a key apostle, which provided him with early access to the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem. His mother, Mary, owned a house in Jerusalem that served as a significant gathering place for early Christians, potentially even the site of the Last Supper or where the disciples gathered after Christ's Ascension, highlighting his family's deep roots in the nascent faith. This familial connection and the vibrant environment of the early Church undoubtedly shaped his spiritual formation and prepared him for the monumental tasks that lay ahead in his life of service.
Mark's journey into active ministry began when he accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Saint Paul on their first missionary journey, departing from Antioch. This experience, detailed in Acts 13, saw him serve as their "assistant," likely helping with practical matters, preaching, and perhaps even scribe work. However, his departure from them in Pamphylia, as recorded in Acts 13:13, led to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas when planning a second journey, with Paul refusing to take Mark again. While the exact reasons for his earlier departure are not explicitly stated, this incident led to Paul and Barnabas parting ways, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus. This period, though marked by apostolic tension, ultimately diversified the missionary efforts and allowed Mark to continue his development under Barnabas's guidance.
Following his time with Barnabas, Mark's most significant association began: his companionship with Saint Peter. Early Church tradition, notably from Papias of Hierapolis (as quoted by Eusebius), identifies Mark as Peter's interpreter and scribe. Peter, who often preached in Aramaic, relied on Mark to translate his sermons into Greek for broader audiences. This close collaboration was instrumental, as Mark meticulously recorded Peter's eyewitness accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, passion, death, and resurrection. It is this direct link to the chief of the Apostles that lends immense authority and authenticity to the Gospel of Mark, making it a powerful testament to the life of Christ as preached by one of His closest disciples.
His Gospel, the shortest of the four canonical Gospels, is characterized by its immediacy, vivid narrative, and focus on Jesus as the suffering servant and the Son of God. It moves quickly from one event to the next, often using the Greek word "euthys" (immediately), conveying a sense of urgency and power in Jesus' ministry. Many scholars consider Mark's Gospel to be the earliest written of the Synoptic Gospels, serving as a primary source for both Matthew and Luke. Its raw, unadorned portrayal of Christ's humanity, His miracles, and the disciples' struggles to comprehend His divine mission, has made it a powerful and accessible account of the Good News, deeply influencing Christian theology and spirituality through the ages.
After Peter's martyrdom in Rome, tradition holds that Saint Mark journeyed to Alexandria, Egypt, where he established the Church, becoming its first bishop. His evangelistic efforts in Alexandria were remarkably fruitful, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most significant centers of early Christianity, known for its theological schools and intellectual vibrancy. He preached the Gospel with fervor, converting many to the faith and performing miracles, thereby establishing a strong Christian community in a predominantly pagan city. The Coptic Orthodox Church, among others, reveres him as its founder and first Pope, continuing his legacy to this day.
Saint Mark's tireless work culminated in his martyrdom in Alexandria. While preaching during the pagan festival of Serapis, he was seized by a mob, dragged through the streets, and imprisoned. The following day, he was again dragged through the city until he died. His relics were later translated to Venice, Italy, where he is venerated as the city's patron saint, and the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. The winged lion, a symbol derived from his Gospel's opening imagery (the voice of one crying in the wilderness, likened to a lion's roar), has become his iconic emblem, representing courage, resurrection, and the evangelistic power of his message. Saint Mark's life exemplifies dedication to the Gospel, fidelity to apostolic teaching, and the courage to spread the faith, making him an enduring model for all Christians.
It is recounted that when Saint Mark arrived in the bustling city of Alexandria, a place steeped in paganism and intellectual fervor, his journey was not without incident. As he walked through the vibrant streets, his sandal strap broke. He sought out a local shoemaker, a man named Anianus, to repair it. As Anianus worked, his awl accidentally pierced his hand. In pain, he cried out, "O, the one God!" Hearing this spontaneous invocation of the true God from a pagan's lips, Mark seized the opportunity. He took some clay, spat on it, and applied it to Anianus's wound, invoking the name of Jesus Christ. Instantly, the wound was healed, and Anianus was astonished.
This miraculous healing opened Anianus's heart and mind. He invited Mark to his home, eager to learn more about this 'one God' and the power that had healed him. Mark, ever the Evangelist, began to preach to Anianus and his household, expounding on the prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He shared the Good News with such fervor and clarity that Anianus and his entire family were converted. They were among the very first fruits of Mark's ministry in Alexandria, and Anianus himself became a devoted disciple, later serving as Mark's successor as Bishop of Alexandria. This simple encounter, sparked by a broken sandal and a pierced hand, illustrates Saint Mark's readiness to seize every opportunity for evangelization, his reliance on divine power, and the profound impact of his faith on those he encountered, laying the very foundation for the Church in Egypt.
In Venice, Italy, the 'Festa di San Marco' (Feast of Saint Mark) is a major civic and religious holiday. Celebrations include a historical procession, a gondola regatta, and the unique custom of 'bocolo,' where men give a single red rosebud to their beloved as a symbol of love and devotion.
Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice, and his relics are enshrined in St. Mark's Basilica. The 'bocolo' tradition is tied to a medieval legend involving a Venetian ducal family and a troubadour, culminating in a rosebud given on his feast day.
Historically, April 25th, the Feast of Saint Mark, is observed as the 'Major Rogation Day' in the Roman Catholic calendar. This day involves solemn supplication, often with processions and special prayers for a good harvest, protection from natural disasters, and deliverance from evil, particularly in agricultural regions.
The Christian tradition of the Major Rogation on April 25th was established to Christianize an ancient Roman pagan festival (Robigalia) that sought protection for crops, coinciding with Saint Mark's feast day.
In many parts of Europe, particularly agricultural communities, weather lore is associated with Saint Mark's Day. Proverbs like 'St. Mark's Day, fine and fair, promises good crops for all the year' or 'Mark's Day wet, will bring a poor crop yet' reflect beliefs that the weather on this day predicts the success of the coming harvest.
The feast day falls in late April, a crucial time for planting and early crop growth, leading to folk observations linking the day's weather to agricultural prospects.
For the Coptic Orthodox Church, Saint Mark's feast day is a highly significant occasion, marked by special liturgical services and fervent celebrations, as he is revered as the founder and first Pope of the Church in Alexandria.
Saint Mark is traditionally recognized as the Apostle who brought Christianity to Egypt and established the Church of Alexandria, making him a foundational figure for the Coptic Orthodox community.
A traditional Venetian dish, a creamy risotto-like soup made with Vialone Nano rice and fresh spring peas, often enriched with pancetta or bacon and Parmesan cheese. It is thicker than a soup but looser than a risotto.
Historically, Risi e Bisi was served to the Doge of Venice on April 25th, the Feast of Saint Mark, as part of the celebrations honoring the city's patron saint and to mark the arrival of spring's fresh produce.